Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has signed-off for OMC International's under keel clearance management (UKCM) system to be installed in the Torres Strait, Australia, to enhance shipping safety. This signing also marks the launch of the Australian maritime engineering company's web-based product.
"The management of shipping through the Torres Strait involves a very significant challenge for UKCM. There is hard rock and sand waves in some places, as well as complex tides and associated tidal streams with waves and swell in the monsoon season (from January to March) from cyclones," said OMC Executive Director, Dr Terry O'Brien
Authorised users worldwide can now execute under keel clearance related tasks via the web as well as the traditional desktop-based user interface. The new module format also enables users to access only the self-contained modules relevant to their specific needs, whether it is long-term voyage planning, real-time onboard pilotage applications, or monitoring a vessel's traffic service (VTS) environment.
OMC won the contract for a UKCM system in Torres Strait after an open public tender. Following this contract, DUKC is planned to be commissioned in stages. The first is concerned with verifying the safety of the existing operation by incorporating the new hydrographic and other data that is now available. Dr O'Brien said this first stage should be completed by March 2011.
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